Harry McTaggart – Lifetime Member 2012
We are pleased to welcome Harry McTaggart as a lifetime member of the Langley Retired
Teachers’ Association.
Harry was born in 1927 in Vancouver. His first career choice was not teaching, but as a future member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He was assured that he would get called up soon. When the call up delay became extended, he decided that he’d better pursue other career avenues. When the call up for the RCMP finally occurred, it was too late. He had already enrolled in first year agriculture at UBC. But that was not the end of the career decisions that he had to make. After being turned down for veterinary studies, and seeing that his brother, John, had decided to attend normal school, Harry decided that he would go that route, as well. Harry graduated from the normal school in Vancouver and began his teaching career at Yarrow Elementary School in Chilliwack, enrolling a grade five class of Mennonite children. He commented that, being a Mennonite community, the children were polite and well-disciplined at home, so it was a pleasure being their teacher.
Harry transferred to the Langley school district, and taught in many Langley schools, during his career. These included North Otter, Milner, Murrayville, Langley Central and Fort Langley Elementary. And, beginning in 1967, Harry held the position of Regional Principal at:
- Belmont/McGinnis/Simonds
- Murrayville/Wix-Brown/Peterson Road
- Murrayville/Uplands/Central
- Anderson/Tillicum
One of the most enjoyable experiences of his teaching career was seeing the 'light' turn on in the students. He found that one of the most challenging aspects of being a teacher was the lack of teaching materials, which he had to purchase himself from a meagre income, at that time. Over the years, Harry noticed that the frequent curriculum changes that took place in later years gave rise to many meetings on trying to keep up with the latest trends in education.
After a teaching/administrative career of 34 years, Harry retired. However, he did not stop ‘working’. He served as a local historian for six years. And during those years, he, along with two other Langley teachers, Maureen Pepin and Norm Sherritt, co-wrote the book, History of the Langley Schools.
Harry McTAGGART
( Tuesday, 18 Oct 2016 )
McTAGGART, Harry Harry passed away quietly in Langley surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Helen and his 3 sons Colin (Janice), Duncan (Celia) and Stuart (Dawn), 7 grandchildren Thomas (Christine), Laura, Kayla, Nicholas, Shayne, Graham and Tyson. He is also survived by his brother Ralph and his sister Mary. He is predeceased by his brothers George, John and David. He was a respected long time educator in the Langley School District where he administered several schools. He was an active member in his community through the Rotary Club, the Probus Club and the United Churches of Langley. He was especially proud of the summer cabin he built for his family at Green Lake. He took great pride in the wood projects he completed in retirement, many of which stand in his home. It was Harrys wish that a small family gathering be held in place of a formal service. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Langley School District Foundation, in Harrys name, c/o Maureen Pepin, 25323 - 12th Ave, Aldergrove B.C. V4W 3N2.
